Description
Pasta e Piselli is a comforting and simple Italian dish combining fresh peas and smoked turkey bacon with small pasta cooked in vegetable broth. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a smoky, hearty flavor with creamy plant-based Parmesan and fresh herbs, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup fresh peas, rinsed
- 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (natural)
Protein and Flavorings
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Oils and Cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1/4 cup plant-based Parmesan (plant-based)
Herbs and Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Dice the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces. Rinse the fresh peas and set aside. Prepare fresh herbs for garnish.
- Sauté Aromatics and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook until translucent and fragrant. Add diced smoked turkey bacon and sauté until lightly crisp and golden.
- Cook the Pasta and Peas Together: Add pasta, fresh peas, and enough vegetable broth to cover them. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir regularly to prevent sticking while cooking until pasta is nearly al dente and the broth is mostly absorbed.
- Add the Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Continue simmering until pasta is al dente and flavors meld together.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Remove pan from heat. Stir in plant-based Parmesan and fresh herbs. Drizzle with olive oil for a silky finish. Serve hot.
Notes
- Choose small pasta shapes like ditalini for best texture and bite-sized comfort.
- Use fresh peas over frozen for sweeter flavor and vibrant color.
- Stir frequently while cooking to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Add vegetable broth gradually to control the sauce consistency.
- Use quality olive oil to enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Pasta e Piselli, Italian comfort food, pasta with peas, smoked turkey bacon, easy weeknight meals, plant-based Parmesan
